Growing Calendula from Seed: A Simple and Natural Gardening Guide

Calendula, often called the pot marigold, is a resilient and colorful flower that's been treasured for centuries—not only for its beauty but also for its usefulness. It brightens up gardens with sunny petals and offers natural benefits for both people and pollinators. If you're looking to grow Calendula from scratch, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the process step by step.

1. Find a Suitable Spot

Calendula enjoys being in places where sunlight is available for at least half the day. Choose an area in your garden that receives around 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. It also prefers ground that drains well. If your soil tends to hold too much water, mix in some sand or compost to improve airflow and moisture balance.

2. Sowing the Seeds

There are two common ways to plant Calendula: directly in your garden bed, or by starting seeds indoors. Either option works, depending on your climate and preferences.

• Direct sowing: Wait until the risk of frost has passed. Loosen the soil, scatter the seeds, and gently cover them with a fine layer of earth—just enough so they’re no longer visible.

• Starting indoors: If you're in a colder area, begin indoors about 6 weeks before spring fully arrives. Use seed trays with moist potting mix. Once seedlings appear, place them near a window for natural light.

Seeds generally sprout within 7 to 12 days if the temperature stays between 15°C and 20°C (59–68°F).

3. Moving Seedlings Outside

After the plants have grown two sets of real leaves and the weather has warmed up, they're ready to be transferred outdoors. Before planting them directly in your garden, let them adjust to outdoor temperatures for a few days by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night—a process called hardening off.

Make sure to space the young plants 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart to give them room to grow without crowding.

4. Taking Care of Your Plants

Calendula doesn't ask for much, but a bit of attention helps it flourish:

• Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid soaking the roots.

• Feeding: If your soil is rich, extra fertilizer isn't necessary. Otherwise, a monthly dose of compost or liquid plant food will do.

• Pruning: Remove fading flowers regularly to encourage fresh blooms and stop the plant from going to seed too early.

5. Harvesting Flowers and Seeds

Calendula blooms are most vibrant early in the morning. Use clean scissors to cut the open flowers. You can dry the petals for tea, infuse them in oil, or use them fresh in salads. The plant will keep producing flowers as long as you keep harvesting.

As the growing season ends, you’ll notice seed heads forming where old flowers once were. Let a few of these dry completely on the plant, then collect the seeds and store them in a paper bag for future planting.

6. Extra Gardening Benefits

Calendula isn’t just pretty—it’s practical. Many gardeners plant it near vegetables to help attract helpful insects and repel unwanted ones. It’s also known to grow well alongside herbs and other wildflowers, adding color and function to any garden space.

---

In Closing

Calendula is an ideal flower for gardeners who value both beauty and purpose. With minimal effort, you can grow a plant that not only adds brightness to your outdoor space but also serves as a gentle, natural remedy in your kitchen or skincare routine. Whether you’re planting a few seeds in pots or filling a garden bed, Calendula is sure to reward you with glowing blooms and a touch of herbal magic.